How to Keep Your Air Conditioning Ductwork Clean

Air ducts can collect dust, mildew, growth, and other debris. These pollutants are then spread throughout the home. If you notice that your allergies are becoming more severe or you notice a bad odor, then it’s time to schedule a home cleaning.

Sheet metal ducts boost energy efficiency due to their durable and nearly impervious to rust. Flexible aluminum ducts are cheap and squeeze into tight spaces, but they are susceptible to damage by pests.

Leaks

Leaks in the ducts allow air conditioning to escape from the system. They can drastically reduce a home’s energy efficiency. Leaks are commonplace where duct segments join in particular at joints. The ducts can become loose and break off as time passes due to age gravity, gravity, and other causes. The sealing of these connections with metal tape or mastic can help prevent air loss, but it’s best to hire an HVAC expert to carry out extensive repairs and to insulate the ducts.

Find indications of leaks in the ducts in your crawlspace or attic where the ductwork is exposed. Look for areas where the ducts are damaged or kinked which indicates blockage and need to be sealed. Check the seams and joints to determine if they’re warm. Also, pay attention to any whistling sounds when the HVAC system runs. If you can hear these sounds it is likely that there are duct leaks in that area.

Unidentified cold and hot spots are another indication of a leaking pipe. This is due to air leaks that can stop the HVAC system from cooling or heating specific rooms.

Even when household activities are unchanged, ductwork gaps can allow dust to circulate throughout a structure. Dust mites, mould spores, and other allergens can trigger asthma and allergies in family members.

Leaking ducts can release toxic fumes as well as dust into the living space. Leaking ductwork, for instance, can expose your family to harmful fumes in the event that you store pesticides and paint thinners in your basement. This problem is especially dangerous if you have elderly or children living in your home. Installing an indoor air monitor will detect these fumes, and alert you to their presence.

High Humidity

In hot, humid climates like Florida air conditioning ducts are more prone to sweat than they should. This is a problem because the sweaty ducts are allowing excessive moisture into homes, which can cause many issues, including the growth of mold and poor indoor air quality. Fortunately, there are several ways homeowners can reduce humidity and ensure that their ductwork is dry.

The first step is to limit water use in the home as much as you can. This means cutting down on the amount of water used for cooking, bathing, and even decorations such as aquariums. Additionally, the homeowner should use a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity to help make the home more dry.

It is also essential to inspect the ductwork regularly for signs of mold and other problems. Professionals should clean and seal ducts in the event of issues.

Another common problem with ductwork is leakage. It is usually caused by joint seals that are not properly installed, which can cause gaps and cracks. The best way to prevent this is by ensuring all joints and connections are properly installed, and using high-quality materials like metal.

Air ducts come in a variety of materials, and each type has different characteristics that can affect the way they perform. Polyester air ducts are the least expensive, but they have the shortest lifespan and are susceptible to being damaged by pests as well as the elements. Ducts made from aluminum are slightly more expensive however they last longer and resist pests.

Another issue with ducts is that they may be blocked by furniture, toys, and other objects which can impede airflow. The blocked ducts can impact the flow of air and the efficiency of the system.

A blocked duct can also lead to uneven cooling and heating, which can be an issue in older buildings that have poorly designed ductwork.

If a homeowner suspects they have a problem with leakage or humidity should contact an HVAC service. The professional will inspect the ductwork and provide suggestions for any repairs or replacements. It’s important that the ductwork is accessible to access, since this could affect the speed at which the pro can get to work and also the total cost of the project.

Mold

Mold in air conditioning ducts could happen when two things come together: moisture and warm temperatures. The moisture is brought on by condensation inside the air ducts. This creates a climate that is moist and a perfect environment for mold growth. The spores then get distributed throughout the house through your HVAC system and cause allergic symptoms for household members.

Mold around the vents is a clear indication that you should employ an expert HVAC for cleaning your AC. Dust particles that are black are usually an indication of the growth of mold. If the area appears damp or slimy then there is an issue. If there is a musty odor it is also an indication of a mold spore.

Other signs of a mold issue in your air ducts include damaged or torn insulation, tears in the vent covers, rodent droppings and cockroach shells. If the mold problem is severe, you may notice decaying wood and sliding metal.

The most common type of mold in air ducts is Stachybotrys that can result in toxic mold. It is commonly found on drywall and wood surfaces, but can also develop in the spaces between walls and rafters of your home. Stachybotrys can lead to allergies, irritation to the eyes, nose and throat and respiratory issues.

Mold in air ducts can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breathe. Children and seniors may experience more severe symptoms. Mold in air ducts may also trigger nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

Homeowners can clean small areas of mold in their air ducts, however it is not recommended to try to clean any large patches of mold. This is because of the safety concerns involved. Mold spores spread throughout the air quickly and are difficult to remove after they have begun to grow. There is no assurance that the homeowner will be able to remove all the mold and prevent it from returning. A professional can safely remove the mold from the air ducts and ensure that it doesn’t recur.

To stop the growth of mold in the air ducts, be sure that you change the air filters regularly and clean the ducts every few years. These steps will help prevent condensation and moisture which could encourage the growth of mold.

Allergens

Allergies can halt your summer activities, leaving you with itchy, swollen eyes and a general feeling discomfort. Make sure your home is free of allergens to combat allergies. The air conditioning ducts are an ideal breeding ground for the things that trigger your allergy symptoms.

Allergy causes include dust mites mold spores, pet dander and pollen. These particles can be carried into your Fridley home on shoes or clothing and then dispersed throughout your home by your HVAC system. These particles can be dispersed throughout the house due to leaks in ductwork.

A thorough cleaning of the air ducts is the best way to fight allergies. A professional duct cleaner can eliminate these particles, allowing you breathe better and combat your allergies.

A duct that is dirty may also be a source of bacteria. Bacteria can make you sick and worsen allergy symptoms, especially if you have allergies already. These bacteria are transmitted by the air that passes through your ducts into your home’s vents.

If the ducts get filthy, bacteria may build up inside and spread throughout your home every time you turn on the air conditioning. This can lead to respiratory issues and in certain cases more serious ailments.

In the spring and early summer, many people carry allergens such as mold, pollen and dust mites on their clothes and shoes. These allergens are most likely to settle into places that won’t be disturbed again until the following spring or summer. Air ducts are among those areas, and when they’re not cleaned regularly the allergens will remain in the air vents until you switch on your cooling or heating system.

Dirty air ducts can create numerous problems for homeowners, such as increased energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. Aeroseal can help you avoid these problems by cleaning your ducts regularly and sealing any leaky ones. Aeroseal technicians apply a sealant that is pressurized to stop air from entering through ductwork that has been leaking.